Scholes wants ‘new Rooney’ to start against Italy

Ex-England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that Roy Hodgson should take a risk on Ross Barkley against Italy.

The Everton youngster was a shock inclusion in the Three Lions’ squad on the back of his impressive displays last term, where he shone for the Toffees.

With his Liverpool roots and progression through the Merseysiders’ ranks, Barkley has been compared with Wayne Rooney on multiple occasions, with both players possessing a similar bombarding playing style and an ability to function well just behind a main striker.

Scholes feels that the 20-year-old must get into England’s starting XI in Brazil and that he may mirror the impact ‘Wazza’ had when he broke through at EURO 2004:

“None of the big teams fear England in this World Cup. Let’s give them something to worry about. Ross Barkley must start,” he wrote in his column for Paddy Power.

“I was watching the England versus Ecuador friendly in an airport lounge, a bit back from the screen. In the first-half Barkley went on a run and I thought, “Is that Rooney?”.

“Barkley made me think of Wayne at Euro 2004. I had to take a second look because I thought it was Wayne. Barkley has no fear.”

Scholes also believes that other young players in the squad such as Raheem Sterling should be given a chance by Hodgson:

“There is no point taking people like Raheem Sterling or Barkley to Brazil “for the experience”. Play them.

“Some might say it’s risky. But these players have the fitness and ability to get the ball back if they lose it – hopefully not in dangerous positions. You want them to attack and give the opposition problems.

“Now is a great chance for Roy Hodgson to give English football the identity we’ve lacked.”